As we approach the year 2026, baby naming trends are experiencing a significant shift, with certain styles and influences quickly falling out of favour. According to insights from baby name experts and a report from Good Housekeeping, the changing landscape of baby names is now characterised by swift cycles that last only five to ten years, contrasting sharply with the decades-long trends of the past.
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One of the key styles on the decline involves quirky spellings. The BabyCenter annual report highlights that nontraditional variations of names—such as Charleigh, Alivia, Maddison, and Emmitt—are experiencing a noticeable drop in popularity. BabyCenter trend specialist Rebekah Wahlberg attributes this phenomenon to a surge of online commentary surrounding unique spellings, suggesting that parents are becoming increasingly mindful of how complex spellings might affect their children’s experiences in the future.
In addition to quirky spellings, names inspired by geographical locations are also losing traction. Names such as London, Ocean, Dallas, and Malaysia are seeing a decline, particularly among girls. While Boston is also tapering off in popularity for boys, one notable exception persists: the name Brooklyn, which continues to maintain its place within the top 100 names.
Another trend showing a marked decrease is the use of names with what some might describe as ‘dated sounds.’ Names like Huxley, Grady, Corey, Harry, and Dominic are among those being abandoned in favour of fresher choices. The report from BabyCenter indicates that boy names ending with the letter ‘y’ and names beginning with ‘D’ and ‘K’ are particularly falling out of favour, as evidenced by declines in popularity for names such as Danielle, Dylan, Kenna for girls and Dominic, Dev, and Karim for boys.
Millennial pop culture names, which had their moment in the spotlight not so long ago, are also on the decline. The names Blake and Justin, closely linked to cultural icons from the ’90s and 2000s, are falling off many parents’ lists. Other names tied to this era, including Jayden, Ashley, Kelsey, and Chelsea, are also losing their appeal, suggesting a widespread shift in naming preferences tied to cultural references.
Moreover, mythologically inspired names are no longer as popular as they once were, according to Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief at Nameberry. She notes that names such as Artemis, Lilith, and Persephone for girls, and Loki, Odin, and Leonidas for boys, have become oversaturated. Nonetheless, a contrasting trend has emerged, with names drawn from ancient civilisations—such as Cassian, Aurelius, and Cleo—remaining well-liked among new parents.
These shifts reflect broader societal changes and preferences, highlighting how the context in which names are selected can evolve rapidly. The current generation of parents appears increasingly thoughtful about the implications of their children’s names, weighing factors such as ease of spelling, cultural significance, and the legacy of associations that accompany particular names.
As we enter a new era of naming, these trends reveal not just changing aesthetics but also deeper considerations around identity and self-perception. The names chosen for children are often seen as reflections of parental values, cultural ties, and aspirations, indicating that trends are likely to continue evolving at a rapid pace.
In summary, as the years roll on and the demographics of new parents change, it will be interesting to see what future naming conventions emerge. With names reflecting identity, cultural references, and unique personal significances, the landscape of baby naming is set to shift further, mirroring the ever-changing society we live in today.